Eckman Road Bridge

Information and Findings From Pennsylvania's Historic Bridge Inventory

Discussion of Bridge

The single span, 104'-long, rivet-connected Warren with verticals pony truss bridge built in 1935 is supported on concrete abutments with fieldstone wingwalls. The truss members are built-up of standard steel sections. Channel railings are set to the inside faces of the trusses. Rolled floorbeams and stringers carry an open steel grid deck. The bridge has been altered by steel plate welded to the lower chords, upper chords, inclined end posts, diagonals, and gusset plates (ca. 1970). The Warren truss design emerged as one of the most commonly used truss designs after 1895 because of advances in metallurgy and the mid-1890s improvements to field pneumatic riveting. The result was a rapid shift from pinned to riveted connections and the Warren design was particularly well suited for rigid connections. Over 125 examples of the type/design have been identified in the state from the late 1890s to 1956. This late example has no noteworthy features or details. It has been altered by welded repairs. The bridge is not historically or technologically distinguished by its setting or context.

Discussion of Surrounding Area

The bridge carries a 2 lane road over a stream in a setting of predominantly scattered late 20th century houses. The immediate quadrants are wooded, but there is a subdivision to the east. Approximately 300' to the west is a late 19th century vernacular residence. The setting does not have the cohesiveness or integrity of a historic district.

Bridge Considered Historic By Survey: Yes